Court workers to take industrial action

Government employees working at the law courts have been directed by the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin to take industrial action, following what the union has termed "exaggerated delays" in negotiations on their sectoral agreement.

The union ordered members not to communicate in any way, including by the use of telephones and the internet.

The industrial action will go on until the government comes up with counter proposals to the union's suggestions to improve the sectoral agreement, division secretary Edwin Balzan said when contacted.

The union proposals aim at improving the work conditions and promotion possibilities of legal class members, he explained, adding that the division may have to resort to harsher action if it is ignored.

"We're not asking for anything extraordinary. It's unacceptable that, in a democratic county, we are left without a reply for so long," Mr Balzan said.

Almost a year ago the UĦM asked the Management and Personnel Office (MPO) at the Office of the Prime Minister for sole recognition as the union representative of the legal class workers, which include legal officers, notaries and procurators.

The union then made its proposals regarding the sectoral agreement but the MPO did not come up with its counter proposals notwithstanding several reminders, the union said.